CareerBuilder Challenge Organizers React to Mickelson's Injury, Likely Preventing Local Tournament Play

LA QUINTA, CA - CareerBuilder Challenge organizers Tuesday said they were "disappointed" that Phil Mickelson likely would be unable to play in next month's golf tournament following surgery to repair a sports hernia, but looked forward to him fulfilling his role as tournament ambassador.

The 46-year-old star recently underwent a second procedure to repair the injury, which will leave him sidelined indefinitely.

"We wish him well in his recovery," said Nick Raffaele, CareerBuilder Challenge executive director and Desert Classic Charities CEO. "While he has yet to determine if his recovery will allow him to compete in our upcoming event, we are very much excited about his role as the ambassador for the CareerBuilder Challenge. We're looking forward to having him here in La Quinta during the third week of January as a competitor and/or ambassador."

Mickelson was announced in May as the official ambassador for the CareerBuilder Challenge, formerly known as the Bob Hope Classic.

Mickelson takes over for former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who served as tournament ambassador since 2011.

"I'm very excited to undertake the role of tournament ambassador and look forward to doing what I can to help with the continued growth of the CareerBuilder Challenge," Mickelson said at the time of the announcement. "Our family loves the area and we have a home in the Coachella Valley, so this is a natural fit for me."

The tournament will take place from Jan. 18-22 at the Stadium Course at PGA West.

— By City News Service / Patch file photo of Phil Mickelson at the 2016 CareerBuilder Challenge